A Reading landlord has been fined £200,000 after being taken to court by Hillingdon Council's planning officers for breaching planning enforcement notices.

Michael Aslam was sentenced on Tuesday 10 June at Isleworth Crown Court and found guilty of two offences having failed to comply with planning enforcement notices on his properties at Sipson Road, Sipson.

Aslam had been ordered by council officers to demolish an outbuilding at the rear of one of the properties he owned, which had been occupied and used as a 'bed in shed'. He had also been illegally using the house and neighbouring property as a hotel without permission, and despite being ordered to stop, he continued to gain financially from illegal rental income by ignoring the orders.

Cllr Keith Burrows, Cabinet Member for Planning, Transportation and Recycling, said: "This is a great courtroom victory for the council and I am delighted that the judge has recognised how much work and effort has gone into this case. It is totally unacceptable for rogue landlords to line their pockets with ill-gotten gains and allow families to live in poor conditions. I hope this sends out a clear message that Hillingdon Council does not tolerate this behaviour and we will take action against those who do not comply with planning laws."

Aslam was fined £7,500 for each of the two offences of breaching planning enforcement notices - a total of £15,000 to be paid within 6 months, or to serve 12 months imprisonment in default.

Under the Proceeds of Crime Act the judge ordered that Aslam must pay back £170,000 in full within 6 months, or serve 30 months imprisonment in default. This is to be divided between the council, HM Treasury and the Courts and Tribunals Service. He was furthered ordered to pay the council's legal costs in the sum of £17,676 within 6 months.

Judge HHJ McDowall said: "I must give credit to the council officers who have done an excellent job in seeing that the law is complied with."